Rev. Alan F. Harre

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Rev. Alan F. Harre

June 12, 1940 – Aug. 20, 2020

Alan Frederick Harre was born June 12, 1940, in Nashville, Illinois, to Adolph and Hilda (Vogt) Harre and passed away Aug. 20, 2020, peacefully at his home at the age of 80 years, 2 months and 8 days. Alan was baptized June 23, 1940 and confirmed in his faith at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Alan’s professional career began in 1967 as assistant pastor of St. James Lutheran Church of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. He joined the faculty of Concordia University Nebraska in 1973. He also served that institution as assistant to the president, as dean of student affairs, and, for a brief period, as acting president.

In July 1984, he became president of Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, where he served until 1988, when he assumed the responsibilities of president of Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, until his retirement in 2008.

During his professional career, Alan was a member of numerous boards, conferences and councils in the Northwest Indiana area, receiving many awards for his leadership and participation.

In his retirement to Seward County, Alan filled the role of vacancy pastor to several area Lutheran congregations as well as volunteer adviser to several agencies in the area of fundraising.

He and his wife, Diane, are parents of three, Andrea (Nick) Sloup, Jennifer (Robert) Serricchio and Eric (Heidi) Harre, and are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Alan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Tom Mack.

A private family service was Aug. 26 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, rural Staplehurst, with interment at the Greenwood Cemetery at Seward. Memorial contributions are suggested to Valparaiso University, Legacy Fund for Seward County or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Ministry Center. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.